NATO proposes to include cybersecurity in military spending.

NATO proposes to include expenses for cybersecurity and border security in the new military spending target

NATO has suggested including expenses for cybersecurity and activities related to border and coastal security in the new military spending target of 1.5% of GDP for the military alliance.

The alliance has begun negotiations with countries to discuss possibilities within the new spending target, which is set to be adopted at the June summit. The overall expenditure target will be 5% of GDP, of which 3.5% is planned to be allocated to 'hard' defense spending.

1.5% of this amount will be earmarked for defense-related expenditures such as protecting critical infrastructure, intelligence agencies, and space activities, Bloomberg reports.

A broad interpretation of defense spending will facilitate achieving the goal. Some countries are proposing to include counter-terrorism expenses. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte hopes for approval of the new target by alliance members in the near future.

Negotiations with member countries are expected to continue on Wednesday within the NATO Policy and Planning Committee. The proposal may be modified as a result of discussions among alliance members.

Increasing NATO's defense spending, including cybersecurity and border security, will be an important step towards enhancing overall security in the region and will help achieve the target of 5% of GDP.